“Just here for a little huntin’.” I laugh as I take off my helmet, and it makes him laugh and shake his head.
I stay right on the front line instead of going to the bench as our offense heads onto the field.
The clock is down to a minute thirty-five, and if we don’t make a move here, we could lose the game. The ball snaps to Bo, and he hustles out of the pocket and launches the ball to Casey. King reaches above his head and jumps up to grab the ball. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he takes off running right into the end zone.
The offense rushes down the field, and I see Casey flexing in front of one of the cameras, which makes me laugh my ass off.
I yell out, “Fuck yeah!”
We go for the two-point conversion, and one of our running backs takes it home, securing our win.
The clock is almost down to zero, and there’s no time forthem to receive the ball, so I drop my helmet from my hand and run out to the field with my team as red and white confetti falls from the ceiling all around us.
Our media person tugs me and Casey away and tells us we have interviews, leading us over to the reporters. As we answer their questions, someone hands me a shirt and hat that sayNational Champions, Walker University. I tug the shirt on and get it over my pads, the best I can, and put the hat on my sweaty head.
As soon as we wrap up the quick interviews, I move toward the stage where the field crew is setting up for the trophy ceremony. Teammates grab me along the way for a handshake or, in some cases, a hug. Some guys are, in fact, crying, but not me. I’m fucking ecstatic! We did it.
My parents find me just as I’m about to walk up to the stage, and my mom has tears in her eyes.
“Silas! Oh my word, son. That was just amazin’. I’m so proud of you. I wish your brothers and sisters were here to see this, but you know they’re all watchin’ it on the television.” My mom leans in and hugs me, even though it’s a little awkward with all my pads on.
“Thank you, Mama. I couldn’t have done any of this without you and Dad. This belongs to y’all too. Bring it in, Dad.” I laugh, pulling my dad into our hug too.
“Silas, I have no words. I’m just so proud of you and your team. You’ve worked so hard for this. This is going to change your life, son. I just know it.” My dad pats my back as he pulls away.
“Thanks, Dad. I love you guys.” I reach up and straighten my hat that got crooked in our hug.
“Holy shit. Is Callaway proposing to his girl?” someone behind me shouts.
I look up and around for Bo, but I don’t see him until he pops up and lifts Chelsea in his arms. The guys that are around him rush them.
“Mom, Dad, stay right here. I’ll be back,” I say over my shoulder as I walk toward Bo and Chelsea.
“We’ll be right here!” I hear my mom shout.
When I reach them, I push through and smack Bo on the back and then hug Chelsea. “Congrats, you two! I’m so happy for you.”
Bo starts to say something, but his parents come up and interrupt him. I don’t stand around waiting, but Chelsea mouths a thank you to me before I turn back to my parents.
I noticed Chelsea in the stands with the Kings, Linsons, and Noelle’s family, which means Brooke has to be around here somewhere. Just as I start to look for her, Coach calls us up to the stage.
Coach gives the first speech, then hands the microphone off to Bo. After Bo says a few words, he gives it to Casey, who keeps it really simple with a thank you to God, his family, and Noelle. He starts to hand it to me, but is interrupted by the presenter.
“This year, the Defensive MVP goes to Silas Arbuckle. He had three tackles and a forced fumble, contributing to Walker’s strong defensive showing with three sacks and six tackles for loss. Well done, Silas.” He presents me with a small glass trophy that’s heavier than it looks.
I step up closer to the microphone. “Thank you. I’d like to thank God and my family first and foremost. And our defensive coordinator, Coach Ty Haines, for his excellent planning that put our defense in a position to succeed.” I lift up the trophy.
“Yes, Walker has one of the best defenses in NCAA football. Congrats to you all for a fine performance this season.” He leans into me, making me step away from the microphone.
I don’t really hear anything else after that because the cheering is overpowering the speakers at this point. When I step off the stage, I finally spot her. She’s standing with her brother and dad behind the Kings. Beck has his arms wrapped around Charlie from behind while Brooke’s arm is looped with her dad’s. She’s got a huge smileon her face, and I don’t know that I’ve ever seen her look happier.
She must feel me looking at her because she glances over at me, and our eyes lock. I lift my hand in a wave. Instead of returning it, she lifts onto her toes and whispers something to her dad, then releases his arm and starts to walk toward me.
“Congratulations, Silas!” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck as I wrap mine around her waist. “I’m so excited for you. You had an incredible game! Your last play had me jumping up and down.” She laughs, then releases me, but my hands stay on her hips.
“Thanks, Cupcake.” I lean in and speak near her ear so she can hear me over the noise of the crowd. “I’m glad you came. You coming out later to help me celebrate?” I say, brushing my lips across her cheek.
I feel her shiver in my hold.
